The Lufthansa Group has formally declared its interest in joining the privatisation process of TAP Air Portugal, submitting its letter of intent to Parpública, the Portuguese state holding company, within the required deadline. While the initial plan involves acquiring a minority stake, the broader objective is to forge a long-term partnership that secures TAP’s future as Portugal’s national carrier.
Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said: “The Lufthansa Group welcomes the Portuguese government’s privatisation process. Our goal is to strengthen Portugal’s global connectivity, preserve TAP’s Portuguese identity, and ensure the airline’s sustainable growth. TAP Air Portugal is of great strategic importance to the European aviation industry. As a long-standing partner in the Star Alliance and with our extensive investments in Portugal, we continue to see the Lufthansa Group as the best partner for TAP and for Portugal.”
The Lufthansa Group has operated in Portugal for more than 70 years. Its airlines currently run over 280 flights a week to and from the country and employ more than 400 skilled professionals. With a new Lufthansa Technik facility for engine and component repair under development in Santa Maria da Feira near Porto, the workforce is expected to reach 1,000 by 2030. A partnership with TAP would strengthen Lisbon’s role as an Atlantic hub within the Lufthansa network, enhancing links between Europe and key regions including South America, Africa, and North America.
